Fish enthusiasts want to catch grass carp for several reasons, and one of them is because the fish help I controlling excessive aquatic vegetation. Another reason is that they pose a challenge to fish enthusiasts; a challenge they cannot resist
.If your goal is to have one of the best fishing experiences ever, then fishing a grass carp is the way to go. It may not be easy to catch a grass carp with a line and pole, though. They are very careful and resistant fish, preferring to feed undisturbed.
This fish is also a fighter that would put up a struggle once it is hooked. Thus, catching a grass carp require technique and precision. In this post, we will share effective tips and steps on how to catch grass carp.
When applied thoroughly and properly these tips will help you catch the very elusive carp. Aside from having fun and feeling satisfied, you can also help pond owners control their aquatic vegetation for every successful catch you make.
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Grass Carp – Facts and Fishing Tips
What is a Grass Carp?
A grass carp, or Amur, is a variety of Asian minnow with that reach up to 4 feet in length and weigh up to 100 lbs. As an invasive species, grass carp are kept as a way of controlling the excessive proliferation of vegetation in rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Grass carp are found along the shorelines, riverbanks, lakes, and ponds. You can recognize carps by the way they create a big splash as you begin to approach the water. Carp fishing may not be a widely known game in the United States, but they are famous in Europe and the British Isles.
In Europe and the British Isles, carp are preferred more than anglers because catching them is a challenge. These sleek, missile-like creatures are fun to fish since they usually fight the hook when caught by it.
You can find more information about grass carp here – Grass Carp
Things to Consider and Do Before Fishing
To effectively and successfully catch grass carp on a hook or reel, you need to consider the following:
- Choosing the perfect location
- Getting the right tackle
- Being stealthy
- Baiting the area
- Bait Selection
Choosing the Perfect Location
As introduced species, these fishes are often kept in private lakes and ponds to control the growth of vegetation. Ask the farmers and landowners if they allow people to fish inside their area. Some of them may be open to the idea of fishing inside their properties to control their grass carp population.
Getting the Right Tackle
Grass carp are strong and big, and you need to have the right tackle to catch them. A big 1/0 or 2/0 hook weighing 20 lbs should do just fine. An open-face, medium-size spinning rod and reel would be a good choice for such hustlers.
Being Stealthy
Grass carp are reclusive, shy creatures that prefer to be left alone while feeding. They have the tendency to be easily startled so minimize as much of the noise and activity as you can. Once the fish is startled, it would swim into deeper waters.
Baiting the Area
Once you’ve chosen an area to fish, you can then begin baiting it. Canned corn would be a perfect choice. Throwing the pieces of various cans of corn into the water, twenty feet from the shore would lure the fishes in. You can also use soaked seed corn. Bait the area for days before fishing on it.
Bait Selection
Selecting bait is very important for catching grass carp. They are predominantly herbivores, feeding on vegetation. Among the easiest types of bait to have is a combination of corn and bread dough. This would work well if you are baiting in an area where corn is used for fishing.
Feed corn is more affordable than canned corn although you would have to submerge it into the water and allow it to ferment for several days. Other excellent bait choices include worms, lima beans, green beans, watermelon, cherry tomatoes and freshly cut grass.
Check out this video for a sneak peek on how to catch grass carp:
Fishing Technique and Method – The Steps
Carp are sensitive creatures that are easily deterred to any vibrations or changes in the water. But there are some tricks to help increase your chances of catching one.
- Step 1. Grab your medium heavy rod which should be at least 7 feet long and set with a reel and 20 lb capacity fishing line. Again, make sure you have everything set properly. Don’t under-estimate the size and strength of the carp because it can put up a good fight and escape your hook.
- Step 2. This is where you tie a knot and circle to hold your bait and hook it into the tip of the line. Utilize a circular hook, since it was designed to fit the carp’s mouth while the line is pulling the hook’s eye. Don’t use treble hooks since they can injure the carp, preventing its safe release.
- Step 3. Put 1/2 cherry tomato on the hook as bait since these is the grass carp’s favorite. Cutting the tomato and baiting it will ensure that the hook’s point is wholly covered because the carp will devour the bait first before recognizing the hook and move away from the bait.
- Step 4. Bait or chum the fishing area with cut grass and whole kernel corn. The mixture must be spread in clusters through a wide area at least an hour before fishing. Let the bait of chum settle untouched on the water surface and be on the lookout for any carp swimming towards the fishing area and feeding on the grass or corn.
- Step 5. Carefully approach the water’s edge until you reach the ideal distance to set the baited hook into the water. Carefully set the hooked tomato and suspend it at the bottom of the water.
- Step 6. Keep the line stable and put your finger on the line while trying to feel a carp devour the bait. Let the carp to eat the bait before positioning the hook and raising the tip of the rod. The hook will set itself up while the tip of the rod is being hauled.
- Step 7. Relax the haul upon the reel since the carp will often do long and sudden escapes from the one trying to catch it. Work the carp as fast as you can and don't overtire the fish, so you can still release it afterward.
Other Methods
Catching grass carp through archery has also been proven effective. But grass carp has the tendency to become more elusive when hunted. Many fish enthusiasts also prefer keeping their catch alive and releasing them back into the water after the picture taking.
Conclusion
You’ve just learned effective tips and steps on how to catch grass carp.
Again, quietly approach the fishing area and direct the baited line towards the water. A rig that is light weight will keep the bait and work just fine. With great finesse, a grass carp will instantly let go of bait that shows the slightest resistance.
Let the line slack a bit. As the line tightens, carefully roll the slack in and position the hook. Grass carp are tough fighters, and you can always expect resistance. If your drag is relatively loose, you can prevent further tension that could break your line. Remember, it’s a big fish.
All these steps may seem demanding, but that’s where the money is. The thrill and challenge will keep in suspense and make up for a more rewarding catch.
We hope you enjoyed this post. Do you have tips to share? If you do, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments. We would love to hear from you.
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